Opinion

LTE: Healthy Political Debate

Dear Editor,

I am the Executive Director of Newport Community Television in Newport NH. I am also a resident voter. NCTV has been interviewing candidates of both parties running for state office in this region. Almost 100% of candidates have participated.

The biggest exception has been our incumbent senator, Ruth Ward. After many ignored emails and phone messages, she flatly refused our request. She was also a no-show at several forums this fall wasting both the other candidates and audience’s time. This is important. When opponents challenge each other it strengthens the candidates and allows voters to better assess differences and abilities. What does it say about her ability to deal with difficult issues in Concord if she can’t face an opponent during the campaign?

Healthy political debate is an important American tradition that goes back further than the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. Democracy only succeeds with open discussion, no matter what different positions candidates may have. We can’t hold a politician accountable for positions they won’t define. It gives them a free pass to do as they please in Concord. With only 24 senators in NH, that puts a lot of power in the hands of someone who won’t speak up.

As a television producer and engaged voter, l ask that Ruth Ward join her opponent, Charlene Lovett, to discuss the problems and solutions facing our state in the coming two years. Ms. Lovett is willing to meet with Ward on camera. I suggest everyone – Dem or Rep – in Senate District 8 (from Claremont to Dunbarton) contact Senator Ward and ask the same for the good of our democracy. Lets get her on record declaring her intentions. If she won’t come out to define what she stands for, is she the best choice for this district?

Her publicly shared contacts are [email protected] ~ (603)933-0018.

John Lunn

Newport NH

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